The Rio Hondo Prep varsity football team will face Warren from Downey in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 7), where both teams will battle for a chance to advance in the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Warren vs Rio Hondo Prep
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 7
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Rio Hondo Prep vs. Warren
Tonight, the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 7) continue with an exciting neutral-site playoff game between Rio Hondo Prep and Warren. Both teams have had contrasting seasons, but this matchup promises to be an intense battle as each team fights for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Rio Hondo Prep: A Dominant Season
Rio Hondo Prep enters the game with a remarkable 11-1 overall record and a perfect 2-0 mark in league play. Ranked 118th in California and first in their section, they have been a dominant force this season. The team has shown its strength both at home (5-0) and away (4-1), and with a .917 win percentage, they are poised for a deep playoff run.
Offensively, Rio Hondo Prep has been unstoppable, averaging an impressive 43.3 points per game, scoring 519 points this season. Their ability to dominate early in games is evident, with 13.5 points per game in the first quarter and 15.5 points in the second. Despite a slight dip in scoring in the second half, they remain a high-scoring team that will pose a challenge to Warren’s defense.
Defensively, Rio Hondo Prep has allowed just 183 points, demonstrating a balanced and effective approach on both sides of the ball.
Warren: A Season of Ups and Downs
Warren comes into this matchup with a 6-7 overall record and a .462 win percentage. Ranked 130th in California and second in their section, their season has been marked by inconsistency, particularly in road games (2-6). However, Warren has shown resilience in neutral-site games, where they are undefeated at 1-0.
Offensively, Warren averages 23.5 points per game, scoring a total of 305 points this season. Their strongest quarter is the third, where they average 6.6 points, but they struggle to maintain consistent offensive production across the game.
Defensively, Warren has allowed 267 points, making it crucial for them to contain Rio Hondo Prep’s high-powered offense if they hope to stay competitive.
Key Factors to Watch
- Offensive Power: Rio Hondo Prep’s high-scoring offense will test Warren’s defense, which has allowed over 250 points this season.
- Early Dominance: Rio Hondo Prep’s ability to jump out to an early lead, particularly in the first half, could set the tone for the entire game.
- Warren’s Resilience: Despite their overall record, Warren’s ability to perform in neutral-site games could give them an edge, especially if they can capitalize on any mistakes by Rio Hondo Prep.
As the season continues to unfold, the matchup between Warren and Rio Hondo Prep promises to showcase two teams with contrasting offensive strategies. While Warren has a solid yet balanced offensive attack, Rio Hondo Prep thrives on an explosive ground game and a tenacious defense. This will be an exciting contest with each team looking to capitalize on its strengths.
Team Comparison
Warren enters the game with an offense that averages 210.5 total yards per game. They rely heavily on their ground game, rushing for 121.6 yards per game, but their passing attack lags behind with just 88.9 yards per game. With a modest 17.1 points per game, Warren’s offense has had its struggles this season, but their defense, averaging 46.2 tackles per game, has kept them in games.
In contrast, Rio Hondo Prep brings an incredibly potent rushing attack, posting an impressive 335.7 rushing yards per game. This strength is complemented by a passing game that averages a modest 69.8 yards per game. Their ability to control the clock with a strong ground game has helped them score an average of 43.1 points per game. With a solid defensive showing (47.3 tackles per game), Rio Hondo Prep is built to dominate the trenches and wear down opponents.
Key Players
Both teams feature key players who will play pivotal roles in this matchup:
- Warren:
- Rushing Leader: #0 Skylar Lendsey, with 82.1 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Leader: #16 Jamar Malone II, with 127.8 passing yards per game.
- Receiving Leader: #4 Jalen Ross, with 72.4 receiving yards per game.
- Defensive Leader: #8 Maurice Stepter, contributing 5.7 tackles per game.
- Scoring Leader: Skylar Lendsey, who leads with 6.6 points per game.
- Rio Hondo Prep:
- Rushing Leader: #31 Noah Penunuri, who leads the team with 113.4 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Leader: #4 Yanick Diaz, with 58.1 passing yards per game.
- Receiving Leader: #3 Nathaniel Curtis, with 18.7 receiving yards per game.
- Defensive Leader: #42 Caeden Holcomb, with 5.6 tackles per game.
- Scoring Leader: Noah Penunuri, who leads with 11.8 points per game.
Record Breakdown
Warren enters the game with a 6-7 overall record, including a 3-2 mark in league play. The team has shown resilience but has struggled in non-league games, with a 0-5 record. At home, Warren is 2-6, but their away performance has been more promising with a 3-1 record.
On the other hand, Rio Hondo Prep comes into the matchup with a much stronger record of 11-1 overall. They have dominated in league play, posting a 2-0 mark, and have been nearly perfect in non-league games, with a 6-1 record. At home, Rio Hondo Prep is undefeated, with a 5-0 record, and they also boast a strong 4-1 record on the road.
Both teams have faced the same opponent in Bellflower. Warren defeated Bellflower 52-0 on October 18, 2024, while Rio Hondo Prep triumphed 44-6 on September 20, 2024, indicating that both teams can handle common competition efficiently.
What to Watch For
The biggest factor in this matchup will be how well Warren can slow down the relentless running attack of Rio Hondo Prep. With an average of 335.7 rushing yards per game, Rio Hondo Prep has proven they can wear down defenses. Warren’s defensive line, averaging 46.2 tackles per game, will need to play with discipline and contain Noah Penunuri, the team’s standout rusher.
Offensively, Warren will need to improve on their passing game, which averages just 88.9 yards per game. With Jamar Malone II leading the passing attack, Warren must develop a more dynamic offensive scheme to challenge Rio Hondo Prep’s defense, which has been stout but can be tested through the air.
Rio Hondo Prep, meanwhile, will look to continue dominating on the ground with Noah Penunuri and the rest of their running backs. Their offense thrives on long drives and wearing down the opposition, so keeping the ball out of Warren’s hands will be key. On defense, the team’s ability to make stops and control the line of scrimmage will be crucial.
Final Thoughts
Rio Hondo Prep enters the game as the clear favorite, thanks to their explosive rushing game and strong overall performance. However, Warren will be motivated to prove they can compete, and if they can improve their offensive production and hold their own on defense, this could be a competitive matchup.
Rio Hondo Prep’s dominance on the ground and ability to control the clock will likely be the deciding factor, but if Warren can find ways to capitalize on their passing game and disrupt Rio Hondo Prep’s rhythm, an upset is not out of the question. This game promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with each team looking to impose its will.
Prediction
Rio Hondo Prep enters as the heavy favorite, thanks to their dominant offensive play and solid defense. However, Warren’s resilience and neutral-site success make them a team to watch for any potential upset. This game should showcase the contrast between Rio Hondo Prep’s explosive offense and Warren’s defensive effort, but expect Rio Hondo Prep to come out on top with a strong performance.
